x
Breaking News
More () »

Foster parents needed in Eastern Iowa

Hundreds of children need a foster home in Eastern Iowa.

Some Clinton County women are putting out a call for new foster moms and dads in Eastern Iowa.

"There's a great need. We are very short of foster homes. I know in Clinton County we have about 33 homes, most of the homes are full," said Linda Loerzel.

Loerzel has 7 children, and is adopting her 8th child next week.

"We have been foster parents to well over 120 children and we've adopted two, and about to adopt our third," she said.

Jessica Leal is a single foster mom, and mother of two children, one adopted.

"I've been a foster parent for four years now and I've had 28 foster kids." Leal said.

"We have a shortage, there's a lot of kids out here from Clinton that are not able to stay in the community. They have to switch schools, they have to travel to see their parents, it's already scary enough to live in a strange home," Leal said.

Many of the parents who lose their kids have substance abuse issues.

"Parents involved with drugs, alcohol, I think that's number one," Loerzel said.

Leal says the economy is playing a role as well.

"There's a lot of poverty which leads to other social issues," she said.

As of November, the Iowa Department of Human Services reported more than 800 children in Iowa were eligible for adoption.

In Eastern Iowa alone, there were 346 referrals for children needing a foster home last year.

Foster parents receive a stipend from the state, a clothing allowance, and daycare reimbursement.

For more information, go to Iowa Kidsnet.com.

To become a licensed foster parent, 30 hours of classes are required. They are starting in February in Clinton and in March in Davenport.

Before You Leave, Check This Out